Author: joelnagel

Joel Nagel

2.8.2020

Leviticus 21-23

These chapters outline the standards for ritual cleanness so the people of God can come near to him.  They are similar to the chapters that came before except these come from the priestly perspective. (21:1 “speak to the priests”.)  There are laws for touching death, sexual purity, skin diseases, and the quality of the sacrificial animals and the priests themselves.  Then, chapter 23 details the Holy Days. A lot of the rules seem negative or punitive when we look at them through our standards and concepts of morality but if we try to discern God’s intent for his people the rules begin to make sense.  They are not to punish people. They are not to give them better physical health. They are not for looking down on people with disabilities or illness or to discriminate in any way. They are for holiness. Santification; the process of making something or someone holy is mentioned 6 times in these chapters and given as the reason for each set of rules.

“So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord. And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God who sanctifies you.”

Leviticus 22:31-32

Holiness means to make a distinction or to separate.  Each of these laws make a distinction between the imperfect and the perfect.  The priesthood was tasked with representing God to the people so they were given these rituals which demanded perfection so a distinction would be obvious and the holiness of God displayed.  This is not a proclamation that the diseased, deformed or dispersed were lesser but rather that they were not fit to represent the perfection of God. In fact, in these same chapters it is mentioned that Israel was to leave part of their harvest for the vulnerable parts of society (23:22).  God is not saying that one kind of person is lesser than any other but rather that we must remember that all persons are lesser than God. We have trouble seeing this distinction even today.

In the priestly rituals and in the Holy Days, Israel had visual and societal reminders built into the fabric of their lives that God was altogether different (holy) from them.  That he is perfect and we are not. It’s so important for me to remember this about God, myself and others. God has never been wrong. Alternatively, I and the people in my life are going to be wrong a lot.  That means that like God, I need to live a life filled with grace for myself and others. Seeing the holiness of God keeps me from bringing God down to my level and also keeps me from elevating people to the level of God.

All of this becomes absolutely amazing when we look at Jesus.  In Jesus, our holy and perfect God did come down to our level. The very presence of Jesus breaks through the separation of these priestly rituals.  But he did more than just show up. He touched those with skin diseases and healed them, he healed a bleeding woman who touched him and he to Jairus’ dead daughter by the hand and rose her to life.  Jesus, our high priest (who died as an unblemished lamb on the cross) broke all of the rules of the priesthood to illustrate that he had come to remove the separation and create a priesthood of all people who could show off the holiness of God through their lives and not through ritual.  Even the timing of Jesus’ life, death and the onset of the church rewrites the Holy Days of Leviticus 23 with Jesus dying at passover and raising on the day of unleavened bread and the church beginning at the first fruits festival. Now as his priesthood we await the last festival, the feast of trumpets and tabernacles.  But instead of creating makeshift and impermanent tabernacles for a weeklong harvest festival, the trumpet will sound and the harvest will be gathered into the eternal dwellings of God.

Dani Kelsey

2.7.2020

Leviticus 18-20

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

These chapters explain how God desires for His people to be holy, to live differently than the other nations around them. He had just instructed the Israelites on how to purify themselves of their sins (The Day of Atonement) and now He is giving clear standards on what to do, which was to be morally pure, and what not to do. The Israelites were called to have higher standards towards their sexual integrity, and they were to promote social justice amongst themselves; where everyone, including the foreigner and the poor, is to be treated fairly and with respect. God also goes into how these sins would be punished if they were not followed. The punishments are specific and blunt: God was serious about these rules, and He shows no room   for debate. 

What is one key verse? 

The verse that stuck out to me was:

Leviticus 20:26

“You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” 

[The reason this verse impacted me was because we] You get to see God’s deepest desire behind all these rules and regulations. Humans are naturally impure creatures, starting from our hearts and extending to our actions, and by choosing sin over God, we separate ourselves from Him. While the rules may seem a bit harsh, God needed to create a way for His people to cleanse themselves, inside and out, and repent of their sin, so that they could finally be with Him. 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

These chapters bring me to view God as a parent-figure. Without context, you would think that God was a harsh and unfair parent, but being able to look at more than just these few chapters, I know that He has a reason for being so commanding- He wanted to protect His people, to provide a life that was richer than the lives of other nations; He was preparing them for something better! The ultimate goal was for them to be closer to God, and at the time, this was the only way for them.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

I mentioned that I got to view God as a parent, so that means that I am His child… and so is my husband, and my parents, my brother, all my friends, the whole WORLD of people are children of God. It’s something that I obviously knew before this, but it brings the image into a better focus; these chapters helped me understand the depth of God’s intent and love for us. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I want to look up to Him more as a child would their parents. I sometimes still look to my parents during times of need, so why shouldn’t I be more dependent on God? 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

This was a bit tricky, but I finally saw Jesus within this verse: Lev 18:4 “You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them, I am the Lord.” 

Jesus, throughout his life as a human, lived by obeying His Father’s laws and decrees. He set himself apart from the Jews by following God’s laws perfectly, for the Israelites had become corrupted with power and created add-ons to God’s law. 

Karrington Kelsey 

2.6.2020

Leviticus 16-17

Summarize what you read in one paragraph

Throughout these two chapters, we get to grasp how we are set free by God’s grace and what The Day of Atonement is by Israelite standards. The Israelites constructed a tent that housed God’s presence (holiness) that is so pure that Moses can’t enter and other priests can not withstand the intensity of God. The Lord speaks to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons and instructs him on how to carry ritual atonement through the slaughter of a bull and a goat. Even though Arron is instructed to bring two goats only one is slaughtered as an offering to the Lord and the other is set free, becoming the scapegoat. Later in chapter 17, the Lord decrees to Moses that the bloodshed of any animal not in front of the tabernacle is guilty and the people who do this shall be cut off from their people. This so the Israelites will bring their sacrifices to the Lord at the entrance of the tabernacle making this a fellowship offering. The priest splashes blood over the entrance of the tabernacle and burns the fat sacrifices. This is also that the Israelites will no longer worship the goat idol. 

What is one key verse?

Leviticus 16:9-10 

9 Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering 10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat.

 I chose this verse because it foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice for us and signifies that the Bible is one unified story from God to us.   

How does what you read change your vision of God?

My vision hasn’t been changed yet, it has been refined in my understanding of how meticulous the process of old testament atonement had to be carried out. In understanding this, Christ’s sacrifice has become more reverent when I focus on the fact that I am the scapegoat.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

It truly makes me value others by knowing that none of us deserve God’s grace but it is through he who lived, chose to be cursed, and then bled for us that we are saved and then bestowed the honor of grace. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

 I will choose to serve others the way Christ did through unconditional love and radical honesty. I am choosing to serve my community and empower those around me through mentorship, community outreach while advocating ”the least of these”.   

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus was clearly the goat that was slain figuratively and literally, because of him we simply set free. He is literally the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time)! 

Lezlee Worthington

2.5.2020

Leviticus 11-15

In these chapters, God is instructing his people on what constitutes CLEAN and UNCLEAN. In great detail, we learn what is to be eaten and how food should be handled. We learn about purification after childbirth and how to become ceremonially clean from the mother’s flow of blood. How to deal with skin diseases and bodily discharges. Rather graphic and detailed rituals.

“I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.”

Leviticus 11:44

God cares for me tot he tiniest of details. He sets boundaries for my wellbeing and holiness.

All the rules and rituals are about how to have a relationship with God and others. A holy relationship.

I will change my attitude about why God asks me to do anything. It might seem like just a ritual or rules – but I want to see it through God’s perspective to keep my relationship with him holy.

To go before the Lord, we must be cleansed. Jesus washes us clean so that we may go boldly to God. Jesus, our ultimate sacrifice.

Derek Neises

2.4.2020

Leviticus 8-10

Summarize the day’s reading in one paragraph. Then answer each question with a paragraph.

In todays reading we get to see more details about how the priests conducted the rituals God required for Aron’s sons to become ordained. We also see the priests offering sin and fellowship offerings for both themselves and the people. Moses took good caution to do everything God had commanded him to do. Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu unfortunately get killed by God because of their lack of following God’s commands with how the sacrifice rituals were performed. 

What is one key verse? Why? How does what you read change your vision of God?

“Among those who approach me I will be proved holy, in the sight of all the people I will be honored.” 

Le 10:3

I believe this is one of the key verses for today’s readings. This verse follows immediately after Aaron’s sons die. When Aaron’s sons disobeyed God, they did it in front of all the people. I think they died not only because they disobeyed God, but also that Gods name was dishonored in sight of everyone. A big reason why Moses quotes this verse immediately afterwards.  This verse reminds me about how great God is and how small we are. God makes sure that he is always honored before all people and it makes me question my life if I dishonor God in my actions. 

How will you Go with God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

My action step would be to always honor God before others. Too often I am timid in the way I share my faith with others. I almost get afraid to stand up for something most people think is foolish or unnecessary. And so, to fit in I may compromise on my beliefs. But in these verses, I see how important it is for us to honor God.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

I see Jesus in these chapters as the final solution to all these sacrifices. As I read these verses, I’m reminded about how blessed I am to be a living in the second covenant with the blood of Christ covering all my sin. Not only does Jesus’ blood cover my sin, but he also allows full access to God’s Spirit, something people living in this time did not have.

Chiedu Okonmah

2.3.2020

Leviticus 4-7

In Leviticus 4-7, we see the man laws put in place for the Israelites to follow. Many of these laws were under specific conditions, and even ended with the offering of an animal. The Law helped keep the Israelites in order, and even gave them guidance for situations that they could find themselves in. 

What is one key scripture?

“‘If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter, when they realize their guilt ¹⁴ and the sin they committed becomes known, the assembly must bring a young bull as a sin offering and present it before the tent of meeting.’”

Leviticus 4: 13-14

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God always has a plan for us. Leviticus reminds me that God has a plan for His people. Even when I fall short of the glory of God, He still has a plan to redeem and transform me.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

I am not alone with the struggle to build my relationship with God. When the weight of sin causes me to fall, it is encouraging to know that there are other people in God’s Kingdom to help pick me up. It is encouraging to know that I have so many brothers and sisters that are in the same fight to be righteous for God.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Leviticus reminds me to continue to strive towards God. God has so many plans for me, and I have to understand that His plans may be challenging, but they will help me grow as a man of God. I will pray more for God’s will to be done in my life.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

When I read all the steps the Israelites needed to take to for their sin or guilt offering, it made me really grateful for Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, He made the ultimate sacrifice to give me the opportunity to be with Him one day.

Anna Kainulainen

2.1.2020

Leviticus 1-3

In today’s reading, God is speaking to Moses about sacrifices in Israel. God declares what to do when you bring an offering to him. God explains to Moses that in order to reconcile with God or offer thanksgiving to God, the people must practice rituals in God’s presence. In addition, God explains that these offerings must be made with a sacrifice from the people. In these chapters, God describes that the offerings must be free of defect or that the offerings must be made using the finest ingredients. Thus, these sacrifices would allow the sinful, corrupt people to live in God’s holy presence. Because of these sacrifices, God is able to forgive the people rather than destroy them due to their sins. These chapters demonstrate God’s grace and justice.

One key verse from today’s reading is Leviticus 1:3, which says:

“If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.”

This verse is important as we reflect on our relationship with God. As I think about this verse, it reminds me that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for my sin. When I am feeling weak or discouraged because of my sin, it is comforting that I don’t have to perform a ritual in order to connect with God. I know that I can offer up my prayers to God, and I know that he will listen. This verse also helps me to reevaluate on where God stands in my life. When life gets hard or I fall short of God’s glory, am I offering God my second best or am I constantly seeking after God?

This verse also foreshadows that it was God’s plan all along to bring Jesus to us as the ultimate sacrifice. He knew that his son was the answer to all of our sins. Jesus was male and without defect, as he was God’s perfect son and he was without sin. Jesus also willingly sacrificed himself for our sins, and he made the greatest sacrifice so that we don’t have to slaughter an animal or perform some other type of ritual to reconcile with God. We are sinful people who mess up each and every day, but we are able to connect with God because of his love and grace and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. He loves us that much. As we go with God, we can use this verse to remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

Brandon Kainulainen

1.31.2020

Exodus 35-40

Today’s reading focuses on the creation of a temple area and the Tabernacle. This Tabernacle was a new “tent of meeting” for the Lord to come down and fill. The whole temple area consisted of the Tabernacle, the Ark, the Table, the Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Basin for Washing, and the Courtyard. Most of the objects were made of acacia wood and covered in pure gold. These each were created just as the Lord commanded them to be. Moses then inspects the Tabernacle and finishes the work by putting up the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard. The Glory of the Lord would fill the Tabernacle and clouds would cover over it. Whenever it was time to move the clouds would lift and the Israelites knew it was time to move.

Key Verses:

Exodus 36:3-7

 They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. ⁴ So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing ⁵ and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”

⁶ Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, ⁷ because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

These verses stand out to me because they show how dedicated the Israelites were to the creation of the Tabernacle and their dedication to God. The way the Israelites start giving and giving and giving, with not only gold and silver but with their skills which they credited to God, really shows the heart of the people. These verses make a good summary of these chapters because everything they were creating, they were doing it with gifts from God to worship God. 

How does what you read change your vision of God? 

What I read changed my vision of God by showing him as someone who asks you to do things. We are all asked to use our skills for the Glory of God and we are all asked to build up him kingdom and his presence in the world. It made me truly reflect on what God is asking me to do with my skills and with my life to honor him and make a home for him.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? 

My vision of myself changed from this reading in that I reflect on whether or not I’m giving everything in abundance to God. I wonder if I am giving so much that God is going to have to stop me from giving more. I know this isn’t true so I must reflect on what more I should be giving to what God has called me to do.

How will you Go With God because of this reading?

I will Go with God after doing this reading by intentionally using skills that God has given me to better his kingdom and to better his purpose. We all have a lot to give and a should be giving that in abundance. This is clearly shown in these chapters as the Israelites giving until they are asked to stop and create exactly as the Lord asks.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) 

My immediate thought as I read through the verses about the curtains being made and the Tabernacle being built was the curtain/veil being torn in half as Jesus died. This can be found in Matthew 27:51 – “At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.” This happens immediately as Jesus died. This shows how with Jesus’ death on the cross we are now freely given a way to communicate with God. We don’t need a priest to go into the Tabernacle. We are living temples and Tabernacles through Jesus.

Katie Humphrey

1.30

Exodus 32-34

Summary:

Ya done messed up A-Aron!

While the people were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain their patience ran out. They went to Aaron and asked him to make gods that they could follow, and he obliged them by making a golden calf. They worshipped the golden calf and celebrated this new god of theirs. Moses pleaded with God to relent from His anger against his people for worshiping idols, and God showed them mercy. 

Moses then weeded out those that still wanted to follow God from among the people. After that, Moses met with God (multiple times) in the tent of meeting to ask for guidance and support from God as he led the people. It was during this time that Moses asked the Lord to show him his glory. God granted his request by walking past Moses and allowing Moses to see only his back. After this, Moses made new tablets on which God wrote the 10 commandments (atop Mt. Sinai). This renewed the covenant between God and his people. And when Moses came down from the mountain top with the tablets his face was shining brightly. He wore a veil over his face after speaking with God, to comfort his people and not frighten them with his glowing face.       

What is the key verse? Why?

Exodus 32: 11-14

11 But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people,…Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people…’” 14 And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.

This passage shows that the relationship we have with God can have a huge impact on others.

How does what you read change your vision of God? 

Often I have taken comfort in the thought that God is in complete control, and He is. But this passage reminded me that we also have a massive impact on how God intercedes in our lives and the lives of others.  

If we are following Him, God listens to our prayers and makes them happen. That’s incredible!

Moses could have let God obliterate the people he just brought out of Egypt, but he didn’t. He asked God to have mercy on them. God would have made another way to fulfill His promise to make him into a great nation (Exodus 33:1, Genesis 12:1-3, Romans 4:13). But Moses’ love for his people (and his willingness to put up with their crap) gave them the chance to share in God’s promise. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

Before I became a committed Christian I was just like these Israelites. Fearful and impatient as I waited for God to show me the way he wanted me to go. I turned to modern idols and sin instead of trusting in God and faithfully waiting for him to show me the way. I’m sure you can relate. So many people we encounter in our daily lives are going through the same thing. They need a Moses to show them love, mercy, and how to follow God. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

First, I will pray for God to give me the strength to show love and mercy to the lost. 

Then, I will be loving towards others, and share God with them in the opportunities that He gives me. Reminding myself that my actions could give them the chance to share in God’s promise. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Jesus had a heart of compassion for those around him just like Moses did. And Jesus then took those consequences upon himself so that we could share in God’s promise. 

I hope this helps you see the bible with new vision!

Tom Humphrey

January 29^th, 2020

Exodus 28-31

Summary

Chapter 28 is all about how Aaron and his sons (the first priests of Israel) would be dressed. A great amount of detail is given which shows just how important this job was.  The next chapter then talks about how the priests would be consecrated. A number of different sacrifices and anointments are required. Chapter 30 talks about a separate altar which would be used by Aaron to burn incense upon. 

A census tax was to be taken from the people and given to the service of the tent of meeting “that it may bring the people of Israel to remembrance before the Lord, so as to make atonement for your lives.” In chapter 31 we see that God filled certain people with the Holy Spirit and gave them ability to build all the different things that were required. God also spoke to Moses about the importance of keeping the Sabbath.

Key Verse

A couple of key verses are: Exodus 29:35-36

“Thus you shall do to Aaron and to his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. Through seven days shall you ordain them, and every day you shall offer a bull as a sin offering for atonement.”

These verses are significant to me because they show how hard it was to be in the presence of God before Jesus died for us.

Vision of God

These few chapters show how perfect God is. He is completely holy while we are all sinful. God wanted to “dwell among the people” but cannot tolerate sin. Instead of giving up on His people, He made a way for us to be purified.

Vision of self

This scripture reminds me how much sin separates me from God. He is holy and my sin nature is not. Thankfully God loves me and made a way for me to be made holy. This makes me thankful for Jesus. He is our perfect High Priest, and because of Him it is so much easier to be in the presence of God today then it was back then.

Go with God

God has gone great lengths to ensure that I can be with Him. I am thankful for this and want to do my best to sin no more.

Where’s Jesus?

It’s really cool to see the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Before Jesus came, the priests had complicated procedures they had to go through to purify themselves just to make an offering for the people’s sin. And even then, it was never really good enough, which is why they continually had to make sacrifices. Jesus is our perfect High Priest. He never sinned and thus does not need to be atoned for. His sacrifice is the one and only sacrifice that we will ever need.